Galaxy-Rapids Post-game: Video highlights & more

Galaxy 1 Colorado Rapids 0

i-d2b151cdedf65f955cfdf449746f9583-donovan.jpgIt’s not me, it’s you: Landon Donovan acknowledges the teammates who set up a finely worked move he ended with a confidently taken finish for the win over Colorado Saturday in Carson (AP Photo).

*Notable: With the win the first place Galaxy became the first MLS team to clinch a playoff spot.

Yawn. Dominant all season and coasting along atop the league for months, this was nothing less than the club expected.

“I think we clinched one a while ago to be honest with you,” Galaxy Coach Bruce Arena said. “It’s not causing us to jump through hoops and have a party.”

Nevertheless, the Galaxy found yet another way to impress in an impressive season. Was the opening 45 minutes the best attacking football we’ve sen from the Galaxy all year? Lest we forget, the Colorado Rapids are the reigning MLS champions.

“This was a very good win for our team,” Arena said. “We played well for an extended period of time, but never got the second goal.”

And didn’t need it, so impressive was the well-marshaled defense, yet again.

The revelation of the night was live wire striker Paulo Cardozo who made his first MLS start as an out and out striker, took six of the Galaxy’s 16 shots on the night and throughly upstaged oft-maligned, but much more experienced striking partner Chad Barrett.

Again, it sounded like Arena expected no less.

“He’s a player we’ve been bringing along the whole season,” he said. “In the beginning of the year we adapted to him and tried to help him get a bit refreshed with this league.

“Over the last couple of months we’ve kind of forced him to adapt to us. Never easy, but it’s all part of the development of a young player and I think he’s responding well.”

Watch:

Next for the Galaxy: Mexico’s Morelia Tuesday in the CONCACAF Champions League where a win there would really underline the Galaxy’s credentials as an emerging powerhouse.

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Live: Colorado Rapids (10-7-11) at Galaxy (14-3-10) from Home Depot Center

Final: Galaxy 1 Colorado Rapids 0

The Galaxy became the first MLS club to qualify for the playoffs this season with their 15th win of the year. A bit of a foregone conclusion, of course, considering they lead the league with 55 points, but still the majority of the crowd of 20,060 will go home happy.

Beckham moved uncomfortably and in visible discomfort for the last ten minutes or so of the game.

The second half was a lot quieter than the first, an 88th minute Landon Donovan shot that needed the busy Matt Pickens to make yet another save one of the offensive highlights.

But Donovan Rickets picked up where he left off with a seventh shutout on the year on his return from injury.

More later.

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David Beckham took a nasty fall and landed on his back in the 81st minute; he rose holding it. He was listed as questionable with from back spasms before the game; the Galaxy have used all three subs.

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Michael Stephens has replaced Juninho, who leaves the field walking gingerly, in the Galaxy midfield in the 74th minute.

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Mike Magee has replaced Paolo Cardozo in the 67th minute; Magee received a rousing reception and appears to have cultivated quite the cult following among Galaxy fans for his exploits this season in both offense and goal.

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Wells Thompson had a goal disallowed for offside in the 57th minute; I’m not convinced he was in an offside position when he nipped in to score from a rebound off the goalkeeper, although he certainly was as the initial shot was taken. Hmmmm.

Not much of a protest from Rapids players, however.

Robbie Keane has come on to replace the largely anonymous Chad Barrett in the 60th minute.

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The stats do tell the story of this one so far: a dozen Galaxy shots to the Rapids’ two; seven of those efforts on target for the home team compared to just one for the visitors; and Colorado goalkeeper Matt Pickens has been required to make six saves to Donovan Ricketts’ one.

Live wire Paolo Cardozo, making his first start as a pure striker this season – his previous starts was as withdrawn forward/midfielder – has five of those shots and is out-shining Chad Barrett who has just one to his name.

A fun game if you’re a Galaxy fan; the Rapids need to find more forward momentum.

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It seemed like it was only a matter of time before the Galaxy scored and they duly did so on a Landon Donovan shot in the 36th minute.

That ties Donovan with Thierry Henry for the MLS lead for goals with 12 on the year.

A nice move too, which saw David Beckham on the right wing pass the ball to Chad Barrett, who turned and created time and space for him to feed Sean Franklin who in turn passed to Donovan (beating two defenders with the dish in the process) who efficiently shot the ball home with his first touch from 18 yards.

A deserved lead for the Galaxy.

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It’s the 33rd minute and if memory serves the Rapids just had their first shot on target tonight, a low attempt easily saved by Ricketts.

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This is a good attacking spell for the Galaxy: Cardozo just forced Matt Pickens to make another save on the half hour mark at the near post. The reserve Galaxy striker is making the most of this opportunity.

That opportunity came shortly after Todd Dunivant forced Matt Pickens to make a finger tip save when the Galaxy defender nodded a David Beckham free kick toward the goal from seven yards out, following up on another Paolo Cardozo shot from about 19 yards.

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Paolo Cardozo just sent a shot over the bar from about 21 yards out after he was set up by Landon Donovan, staying wide out on the left wing so far tonight, in the 21st minute.

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Paolo Cardozo just had the Galaxy’s best chance of the night in the 17th minute, gliding by Kosuke Kimura on the left wing to launch a shot at Matt Pickens’ goal.

Moments before the first David Beckham free kick of the night required Pickens to punch it away, setting up the sequence that led to Cardozo’s shot.

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A muggy night, a sparse crowd (hello, prep football) and Galaxy Coach Bruce Arena has the squad rotation in full effect.

Goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts returns from injury for his first start since June, Bryan Jordan slots in at right back for his second start of the season, Paolo Cardozo starts up front in his third start of the season and Chad Barrett is alongside him for his first start since, um, Monday.

The Galaxy XI: Ricketts-Jordan, DeLaGarza, Gonzalez, Dunivant-Franklin, Beckham, Juninho, Donovan-Barrett, Cardozo.

Robbie Keane, after his exertions for Ireland, is on the bench.

The Rapids start former Galaxy central defender Tyrone Marshall and have a forward line consisting of Caleb Folan and Macoumba Kandji.

Conor Casey, of course, is out with a left achilles tear.

The game is on Fox Soccer Channel.

Refresh this post for updates throughout the game.

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Friday football: Waiting for the weekend

Dealing as I am with the untimely loss of my laptop due to the motherboard melting down, i just have time to note that:

*The Galaxy plays the Colorado Rapids tonight in Carson (live at 8 o’clock on Fox Soccer Channel) a couple of games into a grueling schedule against a team chasing a playoff berth.

*Chivas USA plays D.C. United Saturday at Home Depot Center (live at 7:30 p.m. on KDOC) with the club providing free admission to those folks who keep the rest of us safe.

Incidentally, MLS will pay tribute to the 10th anniversary of 9-11 this weekend with a 30-second moment of silence prior to the singing of the national anthem at each game, while all players and referees will wear black armbands bearing the logo of the official 9/11 Memorial in Lower Manhattan.

*Those who prefer college soccer might want to head out to USC this weekend for a four-team tournament of top women’s programs.

*And those who prefer not to leave the comfort of their couch at all have a veritable plethora of real football games on the tube to choose from (click the link at top right for complete details of available games) on a weekend that also features the return of the pointyball-version.

My pick: Norwich City-West Bromwich Albion at 5:30 a.m. Sunday on Fox Soccer Plus (but then I’m hopelessly biased when it comes to the Canaries), a kickoff time that always makes one appreciate one’s DVR).

Enjoy your weekend.

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Southern California’s senior soccer voice is stilled

i-a357a877a4438aaefbb716ffab934f3a-090604GJ_smlr.jpgLA soccer original: The Times’ Grahame L. Jones in his natural habitat – The Home Depot Center press box.

I sat next to long-time LA Times soccer reporter Grahame L. Jones in the press box at Galaxy, Chivas USA and assorted other soccer games for the last decade or so of his almost four decade-long career.

Grahame’s elegant game stories concisely and authoritatively encapsulated the game; his columns provided nuanced perspective and context, yet never alienated the novice fan.

He pioneered soccer reporting in Southern California, enduring copy editors to the end of his career who were largely clueless about the sport. His was a national voice for a largely ignored sport, contributing to the game’s growth in a way few others did.

If his worst fault was that he was too harsh on the nascent Major League Soccer (The Times, with its global pretensions, preferred he focus on the European game anyway), well, Grahame had earned the role of grumpy uncle by virtue of his long career.

Typical of Grahame, his final column was not about him, but Southern California’s rich soccer history – much of which he had chronicled.

Grahame’s retirement e-mail bemused those who don’t know of his passion for maritime history and culture.

But if he hadn’t retired to take care of his elderly parents, you would likely find him aboard a freighter with a good book in one hand and a whiskey in the other, content in the slow inexorable journey across the ocean rather than the destination.

Which is a good metaphor for his career: It has been a grand voyage and one that smoothed the waters for those of us who came after.

Cheers.

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Wednesday Kicks: South Bay’s Engen named to WPS Best XI & more

*Rolling Hills Estates’ Whitney Engen was named today to the Women’s Professional Soccer Best XI, along with former LA Sol star Marta.

Engen is a defender for the Western New York Flash, which won the league title last weekend. She was also earlier named WPS Defender of the Year.

Hermosa Beach resident Abby Wambach was also named to the WPS team.

More details here.

*Are there too many international fixture dates? A consortium of European clubs say yes – and are demanding changes.

*Finally, check out this video (shot before Tuesday’s U.S.-Belgium game) wherein former Chivas USA midfielder Sacha Kljestan talks about the role ham and cheese sandwiches played in motivating him to learn French:

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Tuesday Kicks: Chivas USA dumps Panchito & more

*Francisco “Panchito’ Mendoza, tied for the most all-time appearances with Chivas USA, is out after Coach Robin Fraser decided to part ways with an “unhappy” player.

It was the Mexican midfielder’s second go around with the club; he had rejoined them in the offseason, but was used sparingly and primarily as a substitute.

I always got the impression Mendoza always thought he was better than he actually was; now having worn out his welcome with the mother ship he’s done the same with the American offshoot.

*Tickets went on sale today for the Galaxy’s CONCACAF Champions League game against Mexican Clausura runner-up Monarcas Morelia that’s set for 7 p.m. Sept. 28.

Tickets start at $20 and for the second consecutive home CONCACAF CL game there is no parking fee (which represents a savings of around $15-$20) at Home Depot Center.

It’s the Galaxy’s third and final group home game and by then they may have wrapped up a place in the next round.

From the Galaxy press release:

The Galaxy are currently three points clear of Morelia and LD Alajuelense at the top of Group A with a perfect 2-0-0 record for six points from their first two matches. One of just three teams in the Champions League to win each of their first two games and one of two teams that are yet to allow a goal, the Galaxy opened the competition with a 2-0 home win over Club Motagua of Honduras on August 16 before beating Alajuelense 2-0 at home last week. The Galaxy return to action in the Champions League on Sept. 13 when they travel to Mexico to face Morelia at Estadio Morelos in a game that can be seen live on FOX Soccer Channel starting at 5 p.m.

*The Cal State Dominguez Hills women have opened the season 2-0 after beating visiting Grand Canyon 2-1 this afternoon.

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U.S. sprouts another loss as Belgium bounces Americans in Brussels

This was essentially the same sort of Belgium team I’ve had the misfortune to watch every few years since 1970 – one that grinds out results with a packed midfield/defense despite an obvious dearth of talent.

On the other side of the field this U.S. is looking more than a bit familiar as well just three games into the reign of Jurgen Klinsman with young players learning on the job, no real attacking strengths (Clint Dempsey aside) and yes, another loss. On the plus side the back four looked pretty steady again, too.

The biggest question that needs to be answered: Is the U.S. seeing progress under Klinsmann?

What do you think?

Hey, if it’s any consolation the Galaxy’s Robbie Keane was shut out again in Ireland’s 0-0 Euro 2012 qualifier today against Russia.

Here’s the game story from Associated Press Writer Slobodan Lekic:

BRUSSELS (AP) — The U.S. national soccer team lost to Belgium 1-0 Tuesday, leaving Jurgen Klinsmann without a win in three games since he was hired as the Americans’ coach.

This was the first road game for the U.S. since Klinsmann came aboard. The Americans earlier tied Mexico and lost to Costa Rica.

Nicolas Lombaerts’ half volley in the 55th minute was the only goal in an exhibition game
dominated by the Belgians on the rain-soaked field.

“It was an interesting game for both sides,” Klinsmann said. “For the first 25 minutes the
U.S. had a good passing game going, but then the individual Belgian class started to show. The players have learned a lot from the game.”

Klinsmann, a former German star and coach, is looking to assemble the players who will play in the World Cup qualifiers that start next June. He pointed to such promising players as Juan Agudelo, Jose Torres, Brek Shea and Timmy Chandler.

An inexperienced U.S. team rarely threatened, and second-half substitutes Agudelo and Kyle Beckerman did little to energize play.

Still, the Americans had their best chance five minutes before the end. A midfield cross found its way to Edu, who headed the ball past Mignolet. But the referee disallowed the goal because Clarence Goodson was ruled to have handled the ball inside the box.

The U.S. played aggressively only in the opening minutes. In the sixth minute, Clint Dempsey’s free kick was fumbled by Belgian goalkeeper Simon Mignolet. Ten minutes later Torres curled a free kick from the right just past the far post.

In the 25th minute, Timmy Simons struck a low ball from the right edge of the area that U.S. goalie Tim Howard deflected. Seven minutes later, Dries Mertens crossed the ball into the area to an unmarked Marouane Fellaini, whose shot was stopped by Howard.

Belgium coach Georges Leekens said the U.S. played well for the first 15 minutes.

“Then we got a grip and we really wanted to win at home after the Azarbaijan match,” he
said.

Belgium drew against Azerbaijan on Friday, weakening its chances of qualifying for next year’s European Championship.

Lineups
Belgium: Simon Mignolet, Laurent Ciman, Toby Alderweireld, Vincent Kompany, Nicolas Lombaerts, Timmy Simons, Eden Hazard (Marvin Ogunjimi, 61), Marouane Fellaini (Romelu Lukaku, 61), Igor De Camargo, Axel Witsel, Dries Mertens.

United States: Tim Howard, Steve Cherundolo, Timmy Chandler, Clarence Goodson, Carlos Bocanegra, Clint Dempsey, Robbie Rogers (Kyle Beckerman, 46), Maurice Edu, Jozy Altidore (Juan Agudelo, 46), Jose Torres (Jeff Larentowicz, 75), Brek Shea.

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Labor Day Galaxy Gameday

Let’s hope the Galaxy enjoyed their long 10-day layoff because as you can see by the schedule with one exception from Oct. 5-15 the club will play the rest of the regular season with a game every three or four days.

Getting things started is a rare (rescheduled) Labor Day match (live at 3 p.m. on Fox Soccer Channel) up against the improving Kansas City Wizards who were awful when they visited Home Depot Center earlier this year, but are now much improved since moving into the league’s newest soccer-specific stadium that the Galaxy visit for the first time ever.

Here are the injury reports for today’s game:

LA GALAXY — OUT: DF Sean Alvarado (R knee surgery); DF Gregg Berhalter (R foot sprain); DF Leonardo (R knee surgery); QUESTIONABLE: MF David Beckham (back spasms); MF Jovan Kirovski (L ankle sprain); GK Donovan Ricketts (L ulna fracture)

SPORTING KANSAS CITY — OUT: DF Daneil Cyrus (L foot fracture); MF Luke Sassano (R knee sprain); MF Konrad Warzycha (R knee surgery); DOUBTFUL: MF Craig Rocastle (R knee sprain); QUESTIONABLE: MF Birahim Diop (groin strain); PROBABLE: MF Milos Stojcev (R ankle sprain)

There are a couple of official viewing parties locally in Manhattan Beach and Orange County.

Watch the Galaxy preview (and yes, Hejduk is expected to start for the Galaxy in defense) while Landon Donovan will commendably skip the national team trip to Belgium for a friendly to concentrate on the MLS campaign with LA:

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U.S. still more Pinto than Porsche

U.S. 0 Costa Rica 1

Staff Writer Phil Collin has the Game story.

The difference in the game in pictures
i-af05b006891925eb40ff700f048f8a4b-landoncan'tlook.jpgMissing in action: Landon Donovan and the U.S. rues another missed opportunity on goal Friday in Carson (AP Photos).

i-8a44456e955e55da97a91ab5302b3953-wallacegoal.jpgHowards End: Rodney Wallace blasts the ball past Tim Howard for the goal that was the difference in the game.

Watch:

Was the U.S. – and perhaps Jurgen Klinsmann – schooled just a bit by a more experienced team Friday night?

Yes, a more mobile back four has improved, protected by a vigilant Maurice Edu on this occasion. Wingers Robbie Rogers and especially Brek Shea showed a willingness to take on opponents, penetrating and threatening, but not providing the final telling ball. And the forwards blustered, but couldn’t convert while Costa Rica nullified the high-energy, pressing U.S. game with 27 fouls and one finely executed counterattack.

Quotable:

“We’re buying into his system and his ideas,” said defender Carlos Bocanegra, a long-time Bob Bradley stalwart sounding like he was trying to convince himself of that, while declining to compare Klinsmann’s style to his predecessor.

“We’re going in with an open mind, which if the main thing,” he added.

But some players appear to feel more than a bit liberated under Klinsmann’s short tenure:

“He’s given me the opportunity to just play freely,” said midfielder Jose Torres. “And that gives you a lot of confidence.”

Next for the U.S.: Belgium on Tuesday in Brussels.

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